04-10-13, 08:48 PM (This post was last modified: 04-10-13, 08:51 PM by reddeviljp.)
Greetings people, looking at what looks to be a very good 99 Fazer tomorrow morning and it could be the one for me; my first Fazer and my first 'big bike' [img alt=Very Happy]http://cdn.bikechatforums.com/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] I've been riding for some time but never owned a 'big bike' before.
Torch, gloves and multi-tool to hand and ready to go.
Anything to look out for or be wary of as I peruse her?
Pull the front sprocket cover off and have a look at the nut. Do a search on here about it, pretty common issue
Ask if he has done the headlight mod (standard headlight on the boxeye is woeful) plenty more knowledgable guys on here who will know more of the intricacies of that model
Micky's points are good, but are both free (or near as dammit) to fix.
If it has stock downpipes, inspect carefully as they're prone to rust through.
Obviously the usual chain, discs and pads malarkey.
If you get to test spin, don't be alarmed if the gearbox clunks like mad between 1st and 2nd - the Fazers are known for it. Or, if the owner isn't a Foccer - take him up on it. :evil
May be worth checking to see if the rear shock is OK - if it wallows, and "captain kangaroo"'s you, it'll need replacing - no cheap fix. Unless the owner is lighter than you, in which case check the preload first.
I'd also ask to check the condition of one of the spark plugs. Mine had been neglected, were a bastard to get out, and rather rusty! A good indicator of whether the bike's been looked after (bar superficial polish). The genny cover and starter motor cover will take the brunt of most drops / crashes, so if they're marked, challenge the seller.
Ask him not to warm it up before you get there! See how it starts from cold - battery good and doesn't have carb issues etc? Put your hand on the engine when you get there, to check he hasn't. If he's warmed it up anyway, it may give you a clue that he doesn't want you to know something about it, then be suspicious about everything else he tells you! And of course, any service history he can show you may help to see if it has had any problems, indicate whether or not it's been properly cared for (although it's not definitive). Compare indicated mileage with wear and tear that you can see - more difficult to decide about on older bikes with higher mileages tho.
Good luck, and welcome to the forum
All good points, from above- if he's non cooperative about you checking things (like the front sprocket nut which you MUST do) then just walk away and buy off someone that is happy to help you check things, don't be in a rush to buy your first big bike, but it is a very good choice you've made, chances are you will go onto something different in the future but the fazer will help grow your confidence and skills!
Instead of a multi tool take a proper Allen key set and 10 & 12 mm spanners for the front sprocket cover.
Simple indication of genuine mileage is the wear on the rubber footpegs (although they can be replaced, you will know if they have!)
Thanks very much for all your advice which I drafted into a list. I've now bought it and the young man was generous to a fault and gave me a spare screen, brand new rear tyre, spare chain guard, three sets of brake pads, Oxford lock and chain and an Oxford Aquatex cover along with a 40litre Givi box and frame with two keys
Any instructions on how to post a picture on here would be appreciated as I took a few with my phone. Then I'll give you the stack of questions I've got lined up!
06-10-13, 07:24 AM (This post was last modified: 06-10-13, 07:27 AM by red98.)
(05-10-13, 09:00 PM)reddeviljp link Wrote: Thanks very much for all your advice which I drafted into a list. I've now bought it and the young man was generous to a fault and gave me a spare screen, brand new rear tyre, spare chain guard, three sets of brake pads, Oxford lock and chain and an Oxford Aquatex cover along with a 40litre Givi box and frame with two keys
Any instructions on how to post a picture on here would be appreciated as I took a few with my phone. Then I'll give you the stack of questions I've got lined up!
hi reddeviljp.......click on "additional options" just below the reply box,then choose file,click on your picture and post.....if i can do it anyone can :rolleyes [size=78%]..............great choice of bike and what sounds like a good previous owner,enjoy your fazer but as always....safety first [/size]
ah.....just noticed your from SE london your more than welcome to come along on "lofo`s" (london foccers) ride outs,look in events section for dates......
Congrats buddy, looking forward to seeing pics- if you're using an iphone/ipad it'll only post one pic per reply!
The majority of your questions would have been asked and answered, so do a quick search first as some folks on here get a bit grumpy answering the same question more than once in a month! (Think it coincides with badger mating habits! :lol )
And yeah- when you're happy on her come along to one of the rideouts!
06-10-13, 01:37 PM (This post was last modified: 06-10-13, 01:43 PM by reddeviljp.)
Thanks for the replies, people. Just realised I've made an absolute howler in that I turned the ignition to 'P' and I've drained out the battery! Unbelievable!
Anyhow, I've only got one photo that is worth showing at the moment and here she is. I think she looks a belter and I've landed a good one with, as I said above, plenty of extras for the price. 24 000 on the clock and a really good feel to it so I'm more than happy.
Where,if it's possible,can I get a paper copy of an owner's manual? I've got the download which I'm grateful for but I'd appreciate a real copy.
Looks like you have got a good bike there with a good set of useful extras .
As said the Haynes is better, especially when it comes to doing maintenance work.
The owners manual is nice to have and often come up on e-bay (some times at an optomistic price!) or stick a wanted in the "For sale and wanted" section on here.
(19-10-13, 11:04 AM)Punkstig link Wrote: [quote author=reddeviljp link=topic=10185.msg106423#msg106423 date=1381238751]
Me, too! Any idea what they're called?
Cheap Chinese ASV knockoffs
Buy cheap I don't mean crap, they're just as good IMO!
[/quote]
Cheap
Chinese
Knockoffs
Is there any other way to say crap?! Subtly put, Stig! :lol
